OK...  I will share one of my best ideas for getting a .gov link if the folks who read it will share one of their best ideas.  Your idea can be proven to work or one that you "think" will work.  If you think it will work I might try it.

In one of my previous careers I spent quite a few years as a manager at a governemnt agency.  Government agency heads like positive press as much as anyone.  It helps them spread the word of their works and they can point to that press when they meet with legislators during budget hearings.

I occasionally review government publications and projects on one of my websites.  When I have a positive message about a specific agency I always send a quick email to their webmaster and to the agency head.  This email contains the URL of my review and a positive note about their work.  This usually does not generate a link but it frequently does - especially if they have a "News" or "PR" page on their website - here they will link directly to your review.  If they don't link to your review they will sometimes add your site to their "recommended websites" list. 

So, next time you see some nice info on a .gov site or in a .gov publication that matches the theme of your website, think about writing a review and letting them know that you appreciate their work.

There's my contribution to this brainstorming session.... Now it's your turn to add an idea.